Fuel filler systems and methods of assembling same

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. A locking bracket is coupled within an end of a fuel filler tube. At least one passage is defined in the locking bracket for facilitating insertion of a closure device into the fuel filler tube end. At least one anti-removal structure on the closure device passes through the at least one passage during insertion of the closure device. The at least one anti-removal structure precludes removal of the closure device after insertion of the closure device, and rotation of the closure device from a first rotational position relative to the locking bracket to a second rotational position. First and second anti-rotation structures extending from the closure device engage first and second ends of the locking bracket to prevent further rotation of the closure device.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle fuel filler systems,and more specifically, to a capless fuel filler system for use in avehicle.

At least some known vehicles include fuel filler systems that use a fuelfiller tube adapted at a first end to receive fuel and coupled at asecond end to a fuel tank. The first end of the fuel filler tube iscoupled to a vehicle body, typically within a recess defined a distancefrom an outer wall of the vehicle body. A door mounted in the outer wallprovides access to the recess. It is common for a fuel cap to beremovably coupled to the first end to provide access during fueling andto close the first end during operation of the vehicle. More recently,some vehicles have included capless fuel filler systems that provideaccess to the first end without removal of a fuel cap. At least someknown capless fuel filler systems include a closure device that iscoupled to the first end of the fuel filler tube. More specifically, inat least some known vehicle fuel systems, the closure device is insertedinto the first end of the fuel filler tube, and is oriented to enable afuel pump nozzle to be inserted therein.

In at least some known capless fuel filler systems, the closure devices,during operation of the vehicle, substantially seal the fuel filler tubeto substantially prevent fuel fumes escaping from the fuel filler tube,and to substantially prevent water or other contaminants from enteringthe fuel system. In such capless fuel filler systems, no additionalcover or cap is used to control access to the fuel filler tube and/orclosure device, apart from the door mounted in the outer wall of thevehicle body.

In at least some known fuel filler systems, the closure device iscoupled to the first end of the fuel filler tube via a snap-fit couplingmechanism. In other known fuel filler systems, the closure device iscoupled to the first end of the fuel filler tube via a threaded couplingmechanism. Some such coupling mechanisms include coupling structuresdefined on, and in at least some instances, in, the fuel filler tubeend, which may increase the complexity of the fuel filler tube ends andthe costs associated with manufacturing the fuel filler tube ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle isprovided. The system includes a fuel filler tube including an innersurface and a tube end. The system also includes a closure devicecoupleable within the tube end. The system also includes a lockingbracket coupled to the inner surface of the fuel filler tube at leastpartially within the tube end. The locking bracket defines at least onepassage for facilitating proper alignment of the closure device withrespect to the fuel filler tube during insertion of the closure deviceinto the tube end.

In another embodiment, a method for assembling a fuel filler system foruse in a vehicle is provided. The method includes aligning at least oneanti-removal structure oriented on a closure device with at least onealignment passage defined by a locking bracket oriented on an innersurface of a fuel filler tube end. The method also includes insertingthe closure device into the fuel filler tube end such that the at leastone anti-removal structure passes through the at least one alignmentpassage.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yetother embodiments, further details of which can be seen with referenceto the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exemplary fuel filler tube endassembly.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of the fuel filler tubeend assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel filler tube endassembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of an exemplary locking bracket thatmay be used with the fuel filler tube end assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of an exemplary closure device thatmay be used with the fuel filler tube end assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method that may be implemented tomount a closure device to a fuel filler tube end.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of an alternative fuel filler tube endassembly.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative fuel filler tube endassembly.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the fuel filler tube end assemblyshown in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The fuel filler systems and assembly methods described herein overcomeat least some of the limitations of known vehicle fuel filler systems byproviding a closure device that is mounted within a fuel filler tube endsuch that the need for defining locking and anti-rotation structureswithin the filler tube end is avoided. More specifically, the fuelfiller systems and assembly methods described herein provide asimplified locking bracket that couples to an inner surface of a tubeend, such that costs associated with including the locking andanti-rotation structures within the tube end itself are avoided. Inaddition, the fuel filler systems and assembly methods described hereinprovide a simplified assembly of the closure device to the tube end.Moreover, the fuel filler systems and assembly methods described hereinenable secure positioning of a closure device within a tube end. Inaddition, the fuel filler systems and assembly methods described hereinprovide secure anti-rotation protection that substantially prevents anundesired loosening of the closure device within the tube end. Inaddition, the fuel filler systems and assembly methods described hereinprovide for the removal of the closure device from the fuel filler tubeend without having to remove or cut the fuel filler tube end.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralelements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention orthe “exemplary embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted asexcluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporatethe recited features.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an exemplary fuel filler system 10. Specifically,FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of system 10. System 10 includes a fuelfiller tube 11, a closure device 16, and a locking bracket 14 used tocouple closure device 16 to fuel filler tube 11. System 10 and fuelfiller tube 11 used with system 10 share a common center axis C. Tube 11includes a tube end 12. Locking bracket 14 is coupled to an innersurface 22 of tube end 12. An opposite end 13 of fuel filler tube 11 iscoupled to a fuel tank 17. In the exemplary embodiment, locking bracket14 is inserted within tube end 12 and is secured to inner surface 22using any suitable fastening method that enables system 10 to functionas described herein, such as, but not limited to, welding.

During assembly of system 10, closure device 16 is coupled to lockingbracket 14. Closure device 16 includes a pivotable door 18 and an outerstructure 20. Outer structure 20 is coupled to tube end 12, throughinteraction between closure device 16 and locking bracket 14. In theexemplary embodiment, outer structure 20 couples tube end 12 to avehicle body 19. In the exemplary embodiment, tube end 12 and lockingbracket 14 are fabricated from metallic materials. Closure device 16also includes a first locking structure 26, a first anti-rotationstructure 28, and a second locking structure 27. In the exemplaryembodiment, closure device 16 is fabricated from at least one metallicmaterial, at least one plastic material, and/or any combination ofmaterials that enables closure device 16 to function as describedherein. A first end 24 of locking bracket 14 is captured byanti-rotation structure 28. First end 24 includes an end edge 56. In theexemplary embodiment, anti-rotation structure 28 includes a resilientself-adjusting structure 33 that is sized to accommodate angular anddimensional variations of locking bracket 14 such as may be caused byvariations in weld placement and component tolerances. In the exemplaryembodiment, self-adjusting structure 33 is a resilient spring surface.Closure device 16 also includes a stop flange 35. In the exemplaryembodiment, except as specifically described herein, closure device 16is provided with any suitable configuration that enables fuel fillersystem 10 to function as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective end view of locking bracket 14 and closuredevice 16, as viewed from an opposite side of system 10, as compared tothe view of system 10 in FIG. 1. Tube end 12 (shown in FIG. 1) isomitted from FIG. 2, for simplification of the illustration. In theexemplary embodiment, locking bracket 14 is coupled to closure device 16in part via a second end 30 that is captured by a second anti-rotationstructure 32. Second end 30 includes an end edge 54. In the exemplaryembodiment, second anti-rotation structure 32 includes a hook 34extending from a movable tab 36. Tab 36 is flexibly supported asdescribed in further detail hereinbelow, so that it can be movedinwardly and outwardly relative to a substantially cylindrical outerwall 38 of closure device 16. Closure device 16 includes a third lockingstructure 29. In the exemplary embodiment, locking structures 26, 27,and 29 are each circumferentially-extending flanges that extend radiallyoutwardly from outer wall 38. Alternatively, locking structures 26, 27,and 29 have any configuration that enables system 10 to function asdescribed herein.

FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective exploded view of system 10, includingtube end 12, locking bracket 14, and closure device 16. FIG. 4 is an endelevational view of locking bracket 14, and FIG. 5 is an end elevationalview of closure device 16. Outer structure 20 (shown in FIG. 1) ofclosure device 16 has been omitted from FIGS. 3 and 5 for simplicity ofillustration. In the exemplary embodiment, locking bracket 14 has anirregular split ring shape. In addition to ends 24 and 30, lockingbracket 14 includes radially outwardly-extending sections 40, and 42,and a radially inwardly-extending section 44. First end 24 includes aside edge 25, and second end 30 includes a side edge 31.

In the exemplary embodiment, locking bracket 14 includes two radiallyoutwardly-extending sections 40 and 42, that each enable coupling oflocking bracket 14 to inner surface 22 of tube end 12. In alternativeembodiments, any number of radially outwardly-extending sections may beused that enables system 10 to function as described herein. Closuredevice 16, in particular, is illustrated in simplified form in FIG. 3 toshow relative locations of locking structures 26, 27, and 29, as well asanti-rotation structures 28 and 32. In the exemplary embodiment,anti-rotation structure 32, as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes a web 37that extends along a root portion 39 from outer wall 38. Tab 36 (FIG. 2)extends radially outwardly from web 37.

Fuel filler system 10 overcomes at least some disadvantages of, and/orprovides advantages over, known fuel filler systems. Fuel filler system10 enables the use of a tube end 12 that does not include a screw orother locking feature included therein, through the use of lockingbracket 14 that is coupled to inner surface 22 of tube end 12. Inaddition, by avoiding the use of a tube end that includes threadedcoupling mechanisms or snap-fit mechanisms that use multiple and/orhigh-precision pressing or other formation techniques, manufacturingcosts may be reduced. Furthermore, fuel filler system 10 provides forsecure coupling of closure device 16 to fuel filler tube 11 by providinganti-rotation structures 28 and 32, which facilitate secured locking ofclosure device 16 to locking bracket 14, and in turn, to tube end 12.Fuel filler system 10 provides additional security against removal ofclosure device 16 from fuel filler tube 11 through locking structures26, 27, and 29 that engage end 24, inwardly-extending section 44, andend 30, respectively, of locking bracket 14 to prevent locking bracket14 from being pulled out of tube end 12. In addition, fuel filler system10 provides a mechanism in the form of self-adjusting structure 33 thataccommodates variations in dimensions, shape, and/or placement oflocking bracket 14 relative to tube end 12, to ensure proper alignmentand positioning of closure device 16 relative to tube end 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method of assembling a fuel fillertube-closure device assembly such as system 10. For each of steps100-104 (illustrated from left to right in FIG. 6), an end view (upperportion of FIG. 6) and a side view (lower portion of FIG. 6) areprovided. At step 100, locking bracket 14 is coupled to inner surface 22of tube end 12, using any suitable coupling method that enables system10 to function as described herein, such as welding. Radiallyoutwardly-extending sections 40 and 42 are juxtaposed against innersurface 22, while radially inwardly-extending section 44 is spaced apartfrom inner surface 22, as are first end 24 and second end 30. Radiallyoutwardly-extending sections 40 and 42 define pass-through channels 50and 52, respectively.

In step 102, closure device 16 is inserted in the direction of arrow Ainto tube end 12. For simplicity of illustration, most of closure device16 has been omitted, except for anti-rotation structure 28,anti-rotation structure 32, and locking structures 26, 27, and 29.Closure device 16 also includes a support structure 51 for door 18(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). To insert closure device 16 into tube end 12,second locking structure 27 is aligned with channel 50, and thirdlocking structure 29 is aligned with channel 52. Accordingly, channels50 and 52 define alignment passages for second locking structure 27 andthird locking structure 29, respectively. Side edges 25 and 31 (see FIG.3) and inwardly-extending section 44 define stop structures that preventinsertion of closure device 16 into tube end 12, absent theabove-described alignment. During insertion of closure device 16 intotube end 12, second locking structure 27 passes through channel 50, andthird locking structure 29 passes through channel 52. Insertion ofclosure device 16 into tube end 12 is completed when stop flange 35(shown in FIG. 1) of closure device 16 engages locking bracket 14 toprevent overinsertion of closure device 16 into tube end 12. In theillustrated embodiment, tab 36 (shown in FIG. 5) is deflected radiallyinwardly relative to inner surface 22 during insertion of closure device16 into tube end 12. Tab 36 may include a beveled side edge (not shown)to facilitate the radially inward deflection of tab 36.

In Step 104, closure device 16 is rotated in the direction of arrow B.After a predetermined amount of rotation, anti-rotation structure 32engages second end 30 of locking bracket 14, deflecting second end 30radially outwardly toward inner surface 22 of tube end 12 (shown in FIG.1). In an alternative embodiment, tab 36 is deflected radially inwardlywith respect to inner surface 22. In still another alternativeembodiment, second end 30 and tab 36 are both deflected as described.After continued rotation of closure device 16 relative to lockingbracket 14 in the direction of arrow B, hook 34 of tab 36 passes endedge 54 of locking bracket 14. This enables second end 30 to moveradially inwardly and/or enabling tab 36 to move radially outwardly,such that end edge 54 is captured by hook 34. During rotation of closuredevice 16 relative to locking bracket 14, anti-rotation structure 28engages end edge 56 of first end 24. Once locking bracket 14 has beencaptured at ends 24 and 30 by anti-rotation structure 28 andanti-rotation structure 32, respectively, further rotation of closuredevice 16 relative to locking bracket 14 and tube end 12 issubstantially prevented. Moreover, locking structures 26, 27, and 29(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) define anti-removal structures that preventclosure device 16 from being pulled out of tube end 12. In analternative embodiment, any number of flanges or other anti-removalstructures are provided that enables system 10 to function as describedherein.

In the exemplary embodiment, it may become necessary at some point intime after assembly of system 10 to remove closure device 16 from fuelfiller tube 11. Removal of closure device 16 involves disengagingclosure device 16 from locking bracket 14. To disengage closure device16 from locking bracket 14, closure device 16 is rotated in a directionopposite to the direction of arrow B (shown in FIG. 6). Upon applicationof a twisting force to closure device 16 in excess of a predeterminedamount, web 37 breaks away from outer wall 38 along root portion 39,enabling web 37 and tab 36 to fall free from outer wall 38 of closuredevice 16. After web 37 and tab 36 have separated from closure device16, further rotation of closure device 16 in the direction opposite toarrow B enables alignment of second locking structure 27 with channel50, and alignment of third locking structure 29 with channel 52. Closuredevice 16 can then be withdrawn from fuel filler tube 11, as secondlocking structure 27 passes through channel 50, and third lockingstructure 29 passes through channel 52.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side sectional view of an alternative embodiment68 of the exemplary fuel filler system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6. Fuelfiller system 68 includes a closure device (not shown) that in theillustrated embodiment has the same or a similar configuration asclosure device 16 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6. In the alternativeembodiment, system 68 includes a fuel filler tube—sealing bracketassembly 70. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly 70 includes a fuelfiller tube 72 that is fabricated from at least one non-metallicmaterial, such as but not limited to, high-density polyethylene. Insteadof metallic locking bracket 14 (shown in FIG. 1) included in system 10,assembly 70 includes a sealing bracket 74. In the exemplary embodiment,sealing bracket 74 is fabricated from at least one non-metallicmaterial, such as high-density polyethylene. Alternatively, fuel fillertube 72 and sealing bracket 74 may be fabricated from any suitablematerials that enable assembly 70 to function as described herein.Sealing bracket 74 is coupled to an end 76 of fuel filler tube 72 via asealing member 78.

In the illustrated embodiment, sealing bracket 74 includes a lockingportion 80 that has a configuration similar to the configuration oflocking bracket 14 of FIGS. 1-4. More specifically, locking portion 80,viewed in the direction of arrow B, has a configuration that is the sameor substantially similar to that of locking bracket 14 as shown in FIG.4. For example, locking portion 80 includes end edges 82 and 84 that areconfigured to be captured by anti-rotation structures such asanti-rotation structures 28 and 32 of closure device 16 (shown in FIGS.1-3). Moreover, locking portion 80 includes an end edge 86 configured tocooperate with locking structures, such as locking structures 26, 27,and 29 (shown in FIG. 5) of system 10. Accordingly, a closure device(not shown in FIG. 7) that is configured similarly to closure device 16of system 10 (shown in FIGS. 1-3), can be assembled with sealing bracket74 and fuel filler tube 72 in a manner substantially similar to themethod described with respect to FIG. 6.

Accordingly, fuel filler system 68 functions in a manner similar to themanner in which system 10 functions, and offers the same or similaradvantages as system 10, and overcomes disadvantages of at least someknown fuel filler systems in the same manner as system 10. Specifically,system 68 uses a simplified tube end 76 without the need for coupling orlocking structures formed thereon. In addition, system 68 provides asealing bracket 74 that includes a locking portion 80 spaced apart fromtube end 76 that cooperates with a closure device (not shown in FIG. 7)that is configured the same or similar to closure device 16 describedabove, to provide for improved resistance to rotation of the closuredevice, and resistance to removal of the closure device after couplingwith sealing bracket 74.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the exemplaryfuel filler system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 8 is a perspective viewof fuel filler system 200. Fuel filler system 200 is similar to system10 shown in FIGS. 1-6 and includes a fuel filler tube 202 having a tubeend 204 oriented thereon, and a closure device 206. Closure device 206is illustrated in FIG. 8 in its installed orientation relative to tubeend 204, supported by and in engagement with a locking bracket 208oriented within tube end 204. Installation of closure device 206 isaccomplished in a manner similar to the insertion of closure device 16into tube end 12, in system 10.

In the exemplary embodiment, locking bracket 208 is substantiallysimilar to locking bracket 14 shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, and includesoutwardly-extending sections 203 and 205 that, after insertion andcoupling of closure device 206 within tube end 204 define channels 209and 211 that are similar to channels 50 and 52 shown in FIG. 6. Channels209 and 211 define alignment passages for locking structures 213 and215, respectively, similar to the manner in which channels 50 and 52define alignment passages for second locking structure 27 and thirdlocking structure 29, respectively, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.1-6. Locking structures 213 and 215 are oriented on closure device 206and pass through channels 209 and 211, respectively, when closure device206 is inserted into tube end 204. An anti-rotation structure 214 isflexibly supported on closure device 206, as described in further detailhereinbelow. Anti-rotation structure 214 includes a tab 216 that extendsalongside an edge 212 of an end 210 of locking bracket 208.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of fuel filler system 200 in which lockingbracket 208 (shown in FIG. 8) is omitted. Closure device 206 is shown inFIG. 9 inserted into tube end 204 of fuel filler tube 202. In theexemplary embodiment, anti-rotation structure 214 includes a web 218that supports tab 216. A region of weakness 222 is defined in rootportion 220 of web 218. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment,region of weakness 222 facilitates the separation of web 218 fromclosure device 206 for example, during removal of closure device 206from tube end 204. For example, in one embodiment, region of weakness222 may be configured as a crease or score line extending across web218. In alternative embodiments, region of weakness 222 is defined inany suitable manner that enables system 200 to function as describedherein. Anti-rotation structure 214 also includes a tether member 224extending from web 218 to outer wall 207.

As described hereinabove with respect to the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 1-6, it may become necessary, after assembly of fuel fillersystem 200, to remove closure device 206 from fuel filler tube 202. Toremove closure device 206 from tube end 204, closure device 206 isrotated, e.g., in a clockwise direction about a centerline 201 (shown inFIG. 8), as shown by arrow D. Upon application of a predetermined amountof twisting force on closure device 206, edge 212 of bracket end 210pushes against tab 216 and causes web 218 to break away from rootportion 220 along region of weakness 222. Web 218 remains coupled toouter wall 207 via tether member 224. Accordingly, tether member 224precludes web 218 and tab 216 from falling down into fuel filler tube202. If web 218 and tab 216 were to fall down fuel filler tube 202,damage to the vehicle's fuel system and/or engine could result.Continued rotation of closure device 206 in the direction of arrow Dcauses locking structures 213 and 215 to become aligned with channels209 and 211, respectively, enabling closure device 206 to be withdrawnfrom tube end 204.

Accordingly, fuel filler system 200 functions in a manner similar to themanner in which system 10 functions, and offers the same or similaradvantages as system 10, and overcomes disadvantages of at least someknown fuel filler systems in the same manner as system 10. Specifically,system 200 uses a simplified tube end 204 without the need for couplingor locking structures formed thereon. In addition, system 200 provideslocking bracket 208 that cooperates with closure device 206 to providefor improved resistance to rotation of closure device 206, andresistance to removal of closure device 206 after coupling of lockingbracket 208. Furthermore, fuel filler system 200 provides for theremoval of closure device 206, without cutting or removal of fuel fillertube 202, and without leaving pieces of closure device 206 remainingwithin fuel filler tube 202.

Exemplary embodiments of fuel filler systems and methods of assembly aredescribed above in detail. The systems and methods are not limited tothe specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of thesystems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently andseparately from other components and/or steps described herein. Forexample, the systems and methods described herein may be used with bothcapless and non-capless fuel filler system closure devices. In addition,the systems may be used in combination with other manufacturing systemsand methods, and is not limited to practice with only the manufacturingsystems and methods as described herein. Rather, an exemplary embodimentcan be implemented and utilized in connection with many other vehicleassembly system applications.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature ofa drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with anyfeature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

1. A fuel filler system for use in a vehicle, said system comprising: afuel filler tube including an inner surface and a tube end; a closuredevice coupleable within said tube end; and a locking bracket coupled tothe inner surface of the fuel filler tube at least partially within saidtube end, wherein said locking bracket defines at least one passage forfacilitating proper alignment of the closure device with respect to thefuel filler tube during insertion of said closure device into said tubeend.
 2. The fuel filler system in accordance with claim 1, said closuredevice comprising an outer wall and at least one anti-removal structureextending from said outer wall, wherein said at least one anti-removalstructure is configured to pass through said at least one passage duringinsertion of said closure device into said tube end, and wherein said atleast one anti-removal structure precludes removal of said closuredevice from said tube end after insertion of said closure device and arotation of said closure device from a first rotational positionrelative to said locking bracket to a second rotational positionrelative to said locking bracket.
 3. The fuel filler system inaccordance with claim 2, said closure device comprising at least oneanti-rotation structure extending from said outer wall, wherein said atleast one anti-rotation structure engages said locking bracket afterrotation of said closure device to said second rotational position toprevent further rotation of said closure device relative to said lockingbracket.
 4. The fuel filler system in accordance with claim 3, whereinsaid at least one anti-rotation structure comprises a self-adjustingstructure for accommodating dimensional variations in said lockingbracket.
 5. The fuel filler system in accordance with claim 3, whereinsaid at least one anti-rotation structure comprises a radially movabletab configured to deflect inwardly during at least one of insertion ofsaid closure device into said tube end and rotation of said closuredevice from said first rotational position to said second rotationalposition, wherein said tab engages an end of said locking bracket afterrotation of said closure device to said second rotational position. 6-9.(canceled)
 10. The fuel filler system in accordance with claim 1,wherein said locking bracket further comprises: at least one radiallyinwardly-extending section; and at least one radiallyoutwardly-extending section that at least partially defines said atleast one passage.
 11. The fuel filler system in accordance with claim1, wherein said fuel filler tube and said locking bracket are configuredfrom metal materials and said locking bracket is coupled to said innersurface of said fuel filler tube by welding.
 12. The fuel filler systemin accordance with claim 1, wherein said fuel filler tube is fabricatedfrom a non-metallic material, and said locking bracket is defined as alocking portion of a sealing bracket coupled to an outer surface of saidfuel filler tube, wherein said locking portion extends within said fuelfiller tube.
 13. A method for assembling a fuel filler system for use ina vehicle, said method comprising: aligning at least one anti-removalstructure oriented on a closure device with at least one alignmentpassage defined by a locking bracket oriented on an inner surface of afuel filler tube end; and inserting the closure device into the fuelfiller tube end such that the at least one anti-removal structure passesthrough the at least one alignment passage.
 14. The method forassembling a fuel filler system in accordance with claim 13, said methodcomprising rotating the closure device relative to the fuel filler tubeend, after insertion of the closure device until the at least oneanti-removal structure and the at least one alignment passage are out ofalignment with each other.
 15. The method for assembling a fuel fillersystem in accordance with claim 14, said method comprising engaging aside edge of the locking bracket with the at least one anti-removalstructure to preclude withdrawal of the closure device from the fuelfiller tube end.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The method for assembling a fuelfiller system in accordance with claim 13, said method comprising:rotating the closure device from a first rotational position to a secondrotational position relative to the fuel filler tube end, afterinsertion of the closure device; and engaging the locking bracket withat least one anti-rotation structure oriented on the closure device toprevent further rotation of the closure device relative to the lockingbracket. 18-20. (canceled)